Blockchain is transitioning away from the hype and gaining legitimacy as the next-wave technological solution to distribute data and build a network of trust among parties. Distributed ledger technology (DLT), which underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, is a combination of already-existing technologies (such as cryptography) to securely manage and easily audit large volumes of data across a network. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has identified the need to examine the potential utility of blockchain technology for safeguards applications, specifically nuclear material accounting, in its safeguards Research and Development Plan. In this policy analysis brief, Dr. Cindy Vestergaard of the Stimson Center further explores the idea.

This policy analysis brief provides an overview of DLT and explores its utility for safeguards information management. It considers the landscape of factors determining how safeguards data is inputted, processed, and accessed. The findings and recommendations suggest where adding a DLT layer could be applied to provide greater efficiency, data reconciliation, accuracy, and trust in information management at the international, national, and facility levels.

Proof of concept will be the first step to understanding the plausibility of DLT for safeguards information management. It would not be technically difficult to configure a permissioned DLT to meet specifications of the organizations involved. The bigger hurdle to adoption will be acceptance by member states, each of which has their own policies for information exchange and technology practices. The varied ideas on how to create greater resource efficiencies within the IAEA and different lead times in adoption of emerging technologies also pose challenges to implementation.

The application of DLT to nuclear safeguards information management will not displace the essential role of the IAEA as a central authority nor diminish the importance of its work. Instead, it could add layers of security and traceability to better control and streamline data which, in turn, can facilitate more-effective safeguards implementation.

Atomic Reporters is offering an opportunity for qualified journalists to apply for the “This Is Not a Drill” investigative reporting fellowships. The fellowships are being offered as part of a journalism program organized in partnership with the Stanley Foundation which included the 2019 “This is Not a Drill” journalism workshop held on the one-year anniversary of a false ballistic missile alert that occurred in the U.S. state of Hawaii last January.

CourierThe Winter 2018 issue of Courier focuses on innovators and innovative ideas for global challenges—the role of women and vulnerable countries in mitigating climate change; the potential of blockchain technology in nuclear safeguards; the part the Boy Scouts are playing to keep the peace in the Central African Republic; the possibility that private enterprise could contribute to a more resilient society in Iraq; and an appreciation of the late Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Winter 2018 PDF. Subscribe for Free.

The Stanley Foundation: Part of COP24As a part of our efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the foundation put forward policy ideas to achieve a global turning point in emissions by 2020, built upon efforts to catalyze global climate action by countries and sub- and non-state actors, and worked with journalists to strengthen coverage of the UN climate negotiations.

59th Strategy for Peace ConferenceThe Stanley Foundation convenes its Strategy for Peace Conference annually to consider key policy challenges, drawing on the experience and knowledge of invited experts from the public and private sectors.

Concurrent roundtables focused on each of the foundation’s three current areas of programming—climate change, nuclear policy, and mass violence and atrocities, with a fourth roundtable focusing on global governance. These roundtable discussions are intended to generate group consensus recommendations for policy change and multilateral action. More.

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Investigation U. Camper PhotosWe had a great group of campers attend the Investigation U. program this summer. Click here for photos. For participants only, username: IU2018.